Wedding Reception

In the evening, Rahul and Priya host a reception party where they greet guests, take photos, and enjoy dinner together.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, Guests

Key words and phrases

receptiona formal party held after the weddingThe reception was held in a large banquet hall.

stagea raised platform where the couple sits or performsThe couple greeted guests on the stage.

buffeta meal where guests serve themselvesThe buffet had a variety of dishes.

toasta short speech given while raising a drinkHis best friend gave a heartfelt toast.

first dancethe couple's first dance together as married partnersEveryone watched their first dance.

giftsomething given to celebrate an occasionGuests brought gifts for the newlyweds.

newlywedsa couple that has just gotten marriedThe newlyweds looked very happy.

well-wisherspeople who express good wishes to someoneMany well-wishers lined up to greet them.

farewellan act of saying goodbyeIt was time for the bride's tearful farewell.

memorableworth rememberingIt was a truly memorable evening.

banquet halla large hall used to host formal events like receptionsThe banquet hall was beautifully lit for the evening.

seating arrangementthe plan showing where each guest will sitThey finalised the seating arrangement a day earlier.

DJa person who plays music for guests to dance toThe DJ kept the dance floor lively all night.

decorthe overall decoration style of the venueThe decor featured white flowers and fairy lights.

return gifta small gift given by the hosts to guests as a thank youEvery guest received a small return gift.

photo bootha designated spot with props for guests to take picturesGuests lined up at the photo booth all evening.

master of ceremoniesthe person who hosts and announces the events of the eveningThe master of ceremonies introduced the couple's entry.

cocktail houran informal period before the main event where drinks are servedGuests mingled during the cocktail hour.

wedding cakea decorated cake cut by the couple during the receptionThe couple cut the wedding cake together.

applauseclapping to show approval or appreciationThe crowd broke into applause after their dance.

Useful sentences

Ask Should we head to the stage now to greet the guests?
Answer Yes, let's go together.
Ask Would you like to try the buffet now?
Answer Yes, it looks delicious.
Ask Would you like to say a toast for the couple?
Answer I'd be honored to.
Ask Are you ready for your first dance?
Answer Yes, I've been practicing all week.
Ask Can we take a photo with the newlyweds?
Answer Of course, please come up to the stage.
Ask Has the DJ started playing music yet?
Answer Yes, the dance floor is already getting crowded.
Ask Where is the seating arrangement placed for our relatives?
Answer Near the stage, in the first three rows.
Ask Should we cut the wedding cake before or after dinner?
Answer Let's do it right after the first dance.
Ask Have the return gifts been kept at the exit?
Answer Yes, the staff arranged them an hour ago.
Ask Is the photo booth still open for guests?
Answer Yes, it will stay open until midnight.

Dialogue

PriyaThere are so many well-wishers waiting to meet us.

RahulLet's greet everyone together before dinner.

GuestCongratulations to both of you! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

PriyaThank you so much for coming and for the lovely gift.

RahulNow, shall we go for our first dance?

PriyaYes, let's make this a memorable night.

RahulAfter the dance, the master of ceremonies wants us to cut the cake.

PriyaPerfect. I hope the DJ plays our favourite song for that.

GuestThis decor is stunning! Did you plan it all yourselves?

RahulMostly, yes. We wanted the evening to feel truly special.

Common mistakes

Saying "We are doing reception" instead of "We are hosting the reception" or "We are having the reception."
Saying "Give a speech for toast" instead of "Give a toast" (toast already means a short celebratory speech).
Saying "They are newly married couple" instead of "They are newlyweds" or "They are a newly married couple" (with the article "a").
Saying "cutting of cake" instead of "cutting the cake" (use "the," not "of," before the specific event).
Saying "DJ is playing songs" for the whole event instead of "the DJ played music all evening" (use past tense when describing what already happened).
Saying "give applause" instead of "give a round of applause" or simply "applaud" (avoid the direct translation "give applause").

Quick quiz

1. What do you call a couple that has just gotten married?

2. Complete: "His best friend gave a heartfelt ___."

3. What word means worth remembering?

4. What do you call the person who hosts and announces the evening's events?

5. What is a small gift given by hosts to guests as a thank you called?

6. Which sentence is correct?

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